Chilly warning from scientists on impact of Antarctica changes

Evidence of climate change in parts of Antarctica is as dramatic as anywhere in the world and has a potentially big impact for Australia, scientists say.

While recent public attention has focused on the stranded ships requiring rescue from sea ice, the wider picture is one of rapid change that reflects global warming and will also drive it, they say.

"Antarctica is one of the key drivers of the global climate system," said Tony Press, head of the Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Co-operative Research Centre (ACE CRC) in Hobart. "Changes in Antarctica will affect not only the Antarctic region but Australia and the rest of the planet."